03/04/2026
Eldora Louise Barber
Eldora “Ellie” Louise Barber, age 93, of Dodge Center, MN was peacefully called to her heavenly home on March 3, 2026.
Ellie was born on May 25, 1932, to Arthur and Martha (Flugum) Schneider. She grew up on the family farm outside of Waltham, MN alongside her siblings, Vernon, Melford, Marion, Arthur, and Maxine. Those early years on the farm shaped her lifelong love of family, faith, and hard work. She later graduated from Austin High School and went on to spend her professional career as a secretary and office manager for the Dodge Center School District, where she was known for her dedication and kindness.
On April 12, 1953, Ellie married the love of her life, Lloyd Barber. Together they built a home filled with love and laughter while raising their six children: Diane, Brad, Deb, Brian, Laurie, and Lonnie. They made their home in Dodge Center and were active members of Faith Lutheran church from 1961 to present. Ellie faithfully served the church in many ways, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday school, attending weekly Bible study, and always lending a hand wherever it was needed.
Ellie treasured time with her family. Music, vacations, and simple gatherings together created many cherished memories. After Lloyd’s passing on April 8, 2005, Ellie continued to carry forward the passions they shared—gardening, baking, and bird watching. Most of all, she remained the steady heart of her family, always present for celebrations, milestones, and quiet moments of encouragement and wisdom.
Ellie was also known for her remarkable talent in the art of crochet. With loving hands, she created countless gifts for others—afghans, prayer shawls, baby and baptismal blankets, doll clothes, Christmas ornaments, and delicate angels.
Ellie was an avid Twins fan and enjoyed watching high school football, but her greatest joy came from supporting her kids and grandkids in their own sports and endeavors.
Ellie had a gift for making people feel welcome and loved. Her family seemed to grow wherever she went. Friends, neighbors, friends of friends, and even strangers soon found themselves welcomed into her circle and affectionately calling her Mom, Grandma, or GG. During her time at Fieldcrest, she brightened the lives of many with her cheerful spirit and seasonal decorations, especially her beloved butterflies. Even in her final days, the hospital staff were touched by the warmth of her love, her devotion to family, and her unwavering faith in God.
Ellie is survived by her dear sisters, Marion Schneider and Maxine Bruemmer; her lifelong friend and sister, Diane Heitkamp; sisters-in-law, Tammy Schneider and Darlene Schneider; her children, Diane Barber, Deb Bucknell, Brad Barber, Laurie (Randy) Rahlf, Lonnie (Kyla) Barber, and Cheryl (Larry) Shoden; 16 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; along with many nieces, nephews, and all who were blessed to know and love her.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Lloyd Barber; her three brothers; son, Brian Barber; son-in-law, Craig Bucknell; daughter-in-law, Jean Barber; and grandson, Nathan.
A springtime celebration of Ellie's life will be held at 11:15 a.m. Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Faith Lutheran Church, 308 2nd St NW in Dodge Center, MN with Pastor Cheryl Indehar officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of her service at the church. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in Dodge Center, MN.
To share a special memory or condolence please visit http://www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com. Czaplewski Funeral Homes, 25 South Street SW, Dodge Center, MN 55927 (507)374-2155. Blessed be her memory.
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